AN: Thank you to all who review, alert and fav. It means a lot to me. Thank you to Jinx and Randomwittering, two awesome women, who are responsible for me having the courage to continue writing this story. I am privileged to call you friends.

A shout out to all the Cheeky Monkeys - you often make my days possible.

And a special thank you to my awesome, talented, and patient Beta, Nithu.

As always, Bioware owns all.

Contains content NSFW!

Chapter 24. A Time to Speak

Aya pulled her father aside after Gareth left for the hut. "Father, what are Morrigan and Flemeth up to? I've spent a lot of time thinking about this and something doesn't add up. Why is it so important to Flemeth to end the blight? She is too powerful to be threatened by the Dark Ones."

"The Archdemon affects us all. Even Flemeth."

"Then why doesn't she use her powers directly to fight? Why is she manipulating things?"

Udell looked sharply at Aya. "What do you mean?"

"Fergus and Gareth were talking yesterday and Gareth said something that didn't make sense. Fergus and I spoke about it later. Gareth said that they had been declared dead. However, Fergus remembered that just as the fight started, he signaled one of their men to go back Ostagar and request help."

"Perhaps the man never made it back to Ostagar?"

Aya shook her head sharply. "Fergus was very clear on this Father. He said, that if the solider never arrived at Ostagar, Fergus and Gareth would not have been declared dead; they would have been considered missing. No, for them to be declared dead, someone would have had to report that. Fergus trusted this man, he could not figure out why he would deliver the wrong message?"

"You believe that Flemeth is the reason the soldier changed his message?"

"Father, I have nothing but theories, but that feels right."

Udell thought about it. "According to the scouts who rescued Gareth and Fergus, the fight with Flemeth was fairly quick; it must have been over soon after Fergus dispatched the solider to Ostagar. Given where they were found, it is easily possible that Flemeth had enough time to intercept the soldier."

"Father, clearly she has an ulterior motive; I don't want to see you or any of us hurt."

"Ah, my wise, Aya. I do not know what Flemeth's plan is, but I do know that Morrigan is involved." Aya was about to speak, but Udell held up his hand. "I do not think that Morrigan truly knows the extent of her own involvement. Flemeth is manipulating Morrigan as well."

"So what do we do?"

"You mean what do I do. I must see what I can find out about Morrigan, and that is not a job for you, my sweet Aya."

Aya looked down at the ground then looked up at Udell, her eyes filled with tears. "I will never forgive her for what she did. I don't know how you can even talk to that cold, heartless Dämonenbrut!"*

Udell pulled Aya into his arms, stroking her hair he spoke very softly. "I can talk to Morrigan because she is not the one who killed your mother. Flemeth bears sole responsibility for that act. Morrigan is, and always has been, manipulated by her mother. If I can get her to see that and break free of her mother, then perhaps I will have, in some small measure, struck a blow against Flemeth."

Aya pulled away from Udell. "Father, I beg you to be careful. I will not loose you to Flemeth too."

"I will be careful, Aya, that I promise you. Now, go to sleep, it had been a long day."

Udell went up to his hut and prepared his ritual pipe. Tonight he needed to talk with Siobhan directly.

Wynne knocked on Siobhan's door. She heard the sobs within abruptly stop. A few moments later, Siobhan opened the door; her eyes and nose were red, but her voice was calm. "Hello, Wynne, is there something I can do for you?"

"Actually, I was wondering if I could be of some assistance?"

Siobhan looked at the older woman. She reminded her of her Grandmother, Edana Cousland, both in looks and personality. Both women had strong opinions that they were all too happy to share, albeit lovingly, and both had backbone's of steel.

Siobhan smiled and sighed. "Thank you, Wynne. It's nothing that my husband's return and the end of the blight wouldn't cure."

Wynne entered the room and looked at Siobhan with a critical eye. "I don't have to tell you that stress isn't good for the baby do I? I know you're a strong woman, but you can lean on others, talk about your pain. Open up. It will be better for you, for the baby, and for us."

"I know. It's just been so overwhelming. I barely have time to catch a breath; I never expected to be leading a party through Ferelden, trying to amass an army…Maker, now I'm whinging." Siobhan sat heavily on the bed, rubbing her forehead. "You're right, Wynne. I cannot do this alone, I will open-up more; I promise."

"From anyone else, I would think I was being brushed off, but not from you. You have a genuineness about you that is quite refreshing to see among young nobles."

"Thank you, Wynne; that means a lot." Siobhan chuckled. "You remind me a lot of my grandmother, genuinely kind, and tough as nails."

Wynne smiled. "She sounds like someone I would have liked."

"Wynne, could you…make sure everything is ok with the baby? The episode in the Circle really scared me."

"Certainly. Have you felt that anything was wrong?"

"No. No pain or anything, it was just…the horror of what we went through at the circle…I…"

"Siobhan, why don't you lie down?"

Siobhan laid down on the bed and closed her eyes, her heart pounded in her chest. Maker, please let the baby be well. Please let the dreams only be nightmares. As Wynne waved her hands over Siobhan, a blue glow emanated from them. Siobhan felt the warmth spread over her body.

After a few minutes, Wynne straighten up and smiled. "The baby is fine. In fact, you should feel it quicken soon."

Tears of relief came to her eyes. "Thank you, Wynne." However, the tears didn't stop; she began to sob, and couldn't stop. Wynne took her into her arms and rocked her. After a little while, the crying subsided.

Siobhan looked at Wynne. "I'm sorry, I got your shoulder all wet."

"Worse things have happened to these robes. Do you feel better?"

"Yes. Actually, I do."

"See, that wasn't hard?" Wynne smiled

Siobhan wiped her eyes. "I think that we'll stay at Redcliffe for another day, if it's alright with the bann. It's important that we all get at least one solid day of rest before starting out. I'll check with him and then let everyone know before bedtime."

Wynne nodded. "I think that is a wonderful idea."

"Thank you, Wynne. For everything."

Wynne smiled and left the room. Siobhan took some time to fix her hair, wash her face, and straighten her clothes. Looking in the mirror, she shuddered, shook her head, and left the bedroom.

She went looking for Teagan. Walking around the corner of the hall, she almost ran directly into him. Siobhan tried to dodge out of the way, but Teagan instinctively reached out to her so she wouldn't fall. Their combined momentum and Teagan's tipsiness, made them loose their balance and fall. They ended up in a heap on the floor; Teagan was on his back, Siobhan partially over him, with one leg between his.

Teagan tried to extricate himself, and was completely flustered. "Maker! Lady Cou…Commander …Siobhan! I am so sorry! Are you hurt?"

Siobhan, who was still partially on top of Teagan, took in the ridiculousness of the situation and started to laugh.

Teagan looked concerned for a moment, then he too started to laugh. Gently pulling away from Siobhan, he tried to stand up, but stumbled. He began laughing so hard, he slid down the wall; this made Siobhan laugh more.

"We…we'd better… be quiet…be…before we wake…Arlessa Isolde." Siobhan tried to say between giggles.

The thought of his sister-in-law's face if she saw this, made Teagan laugh even harder.

Alistair, who was going to bed, came to see the source of the noise. He saw Teagan leaning against the wall trying to stand up and, Siobhan leaning back on the floor, both were laughing so hard that tears were streaming down their faces.

"I didn't realize the party had moved to the corridor." Alistair smiled and extended a hand to Siobhan to help her up. Despite being tipsy himself, Alistair was strong and sturdy and Siobhan was able to let him to do the work in helping her stand. Teagan had also managed right himself and was brushing off his clothes.

Siobhan was taking deep breaths to quiet the giggles. Looking at Alistair, she smiled. "Thank you, Alistair."

Teagan cleared his throat. "Commander, please accept my apologies. I should have looked where I was going."

"Oh please, my lord, do not apologize! Aside from a slightly bruised backside, I think I'm the better for the laugh. However, I do apologize for any awkwardness my sense of humor may have caused you."

"Please, my lady, no need to apologize for that!"

Clearing her throat, Siobhan said, "Actually, I'm glad I ran into you my lord. I was going to beg your indulgence and ask if we could impose upon you for an additional day? I would like my companions to have a full day of rest before we continue on our journey."

Teagan smiled. "It would hardly be considered an imposition, considering the assistance you have given my family. Please stay as long as you need. I just have one request, Commander."

"My lord?"

"Please call me Teagan."

Siobhan smiled. "Please call me Siobhan."

Alistair shrugged. "Everyone calls me Alistair."

Siobhan's eyes twinkled, "I could call you Al?"

Alistair rolled his eyes.

"Perhaps you prefer 'Monsieur Expert en Matière de Fromage'"

Alastair arched an eyebrow then laughed. "Ser Cheese Expert! No, thank you! I think I'll just stick with Royal Bastard."

Teagan looked between Siobhan and Alistair, smiled and shook his head, "I think this is where I will bid you both good night."

After bidding Teagan good night, Alistair looked at Siobhan. His eyes were full of concern. "Are you alright? When you left the festivities tonight, I was worried."

Siobhan placed her had on his shoulder. "I was feeling a bit overwhelmed and needed to be alone, then Wynne came by and gently beat some sense into me. After a good cry and a good laugh, I'm fine."

"A good laugh, huh? Well, I'll keep that in mind. Would you like me to inform everyone about the change in plan?"

"Are you alright staying here an additional day, or do you think we should just get on the road?"

"I'm fine with staying here. I think it's a good idea; thank you for thinking of it."

"Yes, if you could let the other's know that would be a big help. I think I need to get some rest. Good night, Alistair"

"Sleep well, Siobhan."

Udell moved quickly through the fade, tracking Siobhan, hoping she was asleep. As expected, Morrigan was standing watch; a lone sentinel in the eerie wash of the fade. I may have taught you much, my lehrling, but not everything.

Udell's essence coalesced into the body of an elderly mage, one of the many who walk the fade. He moved past Morrigan, feigning disinterest, as many mages did when recognizing their own kind. Morrigan looked at him, saw no threat, and looked away. Once out of her line of sight, he resumed his own form and saw Siobhan shimmer into the fade.

Siobhan started when he appeared next to her. Without thinking, she lashed out with her fist, hitting Udell in the face. Udell staggered, but did not defend himself. Siobhan recognized this and visibly relaxed. "My apologies, I feared you were a demon."

"A smart thing to fear in the fade. Although, you are not a mage, how did you know?"

"Let's just say, I've recently had an accelerated education about fade demons." Siobhan looked closely at the old man, "Udell?"

"You recognize me?"

"Gareth described you. He has a knack for descriptions."

"He is a very intelligent man, but you already know that."

Siobhan smiled, and then furrowed her brows. "Why isn't Morrigan here?"

"I wanted to avoid her, as what I have to say is for your ears alone."

Siobhan nodded. "Is there actually a private place to talk in the Fade?"

"Close your eyes Siobhan, and you will see."

Siobhan closed them, reluctantly; she briefly felt off-balance. "Udell?"

"Open your eyes."

She was standing in the courtyard of their home in Gwaren. Udell sat on the grass under a tree and motioned Siobhan to join him. "Siobhan, how much do you know about Morrigan?"

Siobhan thought about it for a moment. "She is Flemeth's daughter, and grew up having very little contact with life outside the wilds. She values power and self-preservation above all else; although my sense is that this is more a matter of Flemeth's influence. Her disdain for men is clear; however, in her heart, I think she can care about others but she was raised to think of that as a weakness."

"You have known Morrigan for only a short time, but you have learned much."

"So, you were testing me?

"Not you, but Morrigan. Have you ever wondered why Flemeth sent her along with you?

"Many times, although the simple answer is that as two fledgling Grey Wardens, we needed all the help we could get. However, I do know that nothing involving Flemeth is simple."

Udell stroked his chin. "You see much, Siobhan. My concern is that Flemeth is weaving a plan that goes beyond the defeat of the Blight. Morrigan is a part of the plan, but I don't think she realizes that her mother is merely using her."

"You think Morrigan is unaware of this?

"No, not entirely. I am sure there is the reason Flemeth told Morrigan, and then there is the real reason. Morrigan is only aware of the former not the latter."

"Am I harboring a traitor?"

"No. Morrigan will not betray you, of that I am sure. Flemeth wants the Blight to end just as much as any of us. I know that I am being, as my daughter would say, annoyingly cryptic, but all I have is my intuition and my knowledge of Flemeth and Morrigan."

"How is it that you know Morrigan?"

"She was my apprentice a long time ago."

"Apprentice? I cannot imagine Flemeth allowing that."

"You are right again. I trained Morrigan in secret. She and my daughter were apprentices together."

"Is that why Morrigan has such a deep understanding of the Wilds and places like it? I know she's a shape shifter, I've seen her do it, but she assumes more than their shape. She has an intrinsic understanding of the animal shape she assumes. Did you teach her that?"

Udell smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "Yes, those were the nature of many of our lessons. I think the reason I am telling you all of this is that I don't want you to hold Morrigan at arms length. I want you to continue to befriend her, draw her out, and show her that it isn't a weakness to care."

"Other than being a kind human being, why are you asking me to do this?"

"Two reasons. One, because I want to help right a very old wrong and two, because it is the only way we will be able to unravel Flemeth's web."

Siobhan studied Udell, the way he held himself, the look in his eyes, the power that radiated from him, all summed up to more than simply the chief of a Chasind tribe. She should have been hesitant, but in her heart she knew she could trust this man.

"I will do as you ask."

Udell stood up and held a hand to Siobhan. "You are all that Gareth says, and more. Your trust honors me. Now, go into the house and say hello to your husband. I will be here to escort you back."

Siobhan smiled and ran towards the house.

Gareth found himself, once again, in the bedroom of their house in Gwaren. He suddenly heard someone run up the stairs. I'd know those footfalls anywhere. He was just about to open the door when in walked Siobhan.

Without pause, he pulled her into his arms. His mouth found hers, in a kiss that was a spark to a flame; passion ignited in them both. Gareth left a trail of blistering kisses down her neck. Siobhan, eager to have his skin against hers, pulled his tunic off and ran her hands over his warm chest, feeling the muscles ripple under her touch. She started to lick and nibble his shoulders, traveling down to his chest and abdomen, stopping just above the waist of his breeches.

From a kneeling position, she looked up into Gareth's eyes as she unlaced his breeches and slowly slid them down. Gareth stepped out of them, and Siobhan ran her hands up the insides of his legs, making him throw his head back and moan. Then she did the same thing to his smalls, but instead of running her hands back up his leg, she took him into her mouth. Gareth's head came forward as he gasped, the feeling of her warm mouth on him caused him to buck his hips.

Siobhan's mouth had firm command of his arousal, using her tongue, fingers, and lips to bring Gareth perilously close to his own release. "Maker, Siobhan, I won't be able to hold out if you keep that up." Pulling her up gently, his deep voice like an intimate caress, he said, "Cariad, you are over-dressed."

Siobhan smiled. "Why don't you lay down, while I rectify that?"

"Putting on a little show?"

"Only for you, my dear one." She purred.

Gareth laid on the bed and watched as Siobhan slowly unlaced her nightdress, bringing it off her shoulders, and letting it slide down in a puddle on the floor. Naked, save for her smalls, she raised her arms above her head, stretched her body and arched her back. Then she stood up straight and ran her hands over her breasts, twirling her fingers around her nipples and moaning. All the while looking at Gareth. She ran her hands down her sides to her hips, slipping her thumbs below the waistband of her smalls. She turned her back to Gareth, and slowly slid them down her legs, bending at the waist as she did so, and giving her husband a full view of her rounded behind and her glistening nether region.

Before she could straighten up, she felt Gareth behind her. One hand slid around her shoulders, pulling her back up and against him, the other hand slid around her waist. He growled in her ear, "You make me want to toss you on the bed and take you repeatedly, making you come until you can't anymore."

Siobhan purred and rubbed her back against his coarse chest hair, and rubbed her bottom against his manhood.

Gareth responded, by rolling a nipple between his thumb and forefinger, while he kissed her neck, and slowly slid his hand between her legs. His fingers fluttered around her wet lips teasingly.

Siobhan gasped and moaned at his touch; her hips rocked against his hand as he continued to tease. Panting, she reached between behind her and started to stroke his hardness.

Gareth pinched a nipple hard and gently bit her neck, she squealed and her knees buckled. His finger slipped inside her and his thumb stroked her pearl. Siobhan came hard, calling his name like a prayer. Still trembling from her release, Gareth picked her up and carried her over to the bed. Laying her down, he looked at her. "That's one." Then he covered her body with his, slipped between her legs and took her fast and hard bringing her over the edge again.

Siobhan looked up into Gareth's eyes, which burned with the same passion she felt. He still had not had his release, and Siobhan smiled. "That's two."

Later, they laid in each other's arms. Gareth told Siobhan about the success of the meeting between the two tribes. He told her about Fergus, and how Aya had stayed by his side. She told him about the Circle, and about the Arl and the Urn of Andraste's ashes.

Siobhan said, "We need to meet outside of the Fade. I need to hold you in my arms and know that you'll be there when I wake up."

"As do I, Cariad. What is your next task?"

"We need to go to Denerim and find Brother Genetivi. On the way, I want to go to the Brecilian Forest and see if we can secure the support of the Dalish. Regardless of what we find in Denerim, we will go back to Redcliffe. I figure that will take about a month or so.

"By then, I should be able to get a force together to move through the wilds. It is my hope that we can reclaim Ostagar as a base of operations for the Chasind. Perhaps we can meet there? Then we can decide how to proceed, especially considering the baby. I will try to find a way to get a message to Redcliffe. Be very careful in Denerim, Cariad, please."

"I will. I love you, Gareth Mac Tir."

"And I love you."

Siobhan woke up and curled against her pillow. She was feeling more rested than she should, and thinking about all that Udell had said. Please, keep Gareth and Fergus safe. Tears threatened her eyes, so Siobhan resolutely got out of bed and decided to train.

She met Alistair in the courtyard. He was up early, too, and had the same idea, so they sparred together. Siobhan was able to direct her worry and nervous energy into the sparring session, and felt some of the tension bleed away.

Afterward, Siobhan looked at Alistair. "Thank you. I needed that."

Alistair rubbed his shoulder, where he had taken a solid hit, and chuckled. "You mean sparring, or beating me up?"

"Beating you up? I only bruised your shoulder. I didn't realize you were so delicate." Siobhan smiled.

"I am, I am." Alistair teased.

"Alright, my tender second, apparently you need more toughening up." Siobhan laughed. This banter reminded her of her many training sessions with Fergus.

Alistair, pleased to see her laugh, said, "As long as I can raise my arms enough to tend to my hair!"

"You mean that look is intentional? I thought it just grew that way."

"Is this kind of teasing that goes on between siblings?" Alistair laughed.

"Well, it did between Fergus and me." Siobhan wished Alistair had had a chance to experience the kind of bond with Cailan.

Alistair nodded. "I have a half-sister, we've just never met. Her name is Goldana and, I think, she lives in Denerim."

Siobhan knew Alistair didn't have a sister, but this wasn't the time or the place to discuss it.

"Alistair, would it upset you if I told that I have come to see you as a brother?"

"That would depend."

"On?"

"Whether or not, you let me win once in a while." Alistair smiled.

"Spoil sport."

The both laughed as they went inside for breakfast. Alistair left to wash up, and Siobhan intercepted Teagan, who was on his way to breakfast.

"Pardon my appearance, Teagan, but I wanted to catch you before you began your day. Could you and I talk later on?"

"Of course, shall we meet in my brother's study after the mid-day meal?"

"Thank you. That would be perfect."

"Might I ask what this is about?"

"Strategy."

"Shouldn't we involve Alistair?"

"After I've had a chance to talk with you, yes."

Teagan arched an eyebrow and nodded. "I understand."

"I thought that you would."

Soon after finishing the midday meal, Siobhan arrived in the study. Teagan sent a message that he would be slightly delayed, so she looked around. The sleeve of her tunic caught on the filigree of small ornate box, sitting atop the arl's desk. As it toppled on to the floor, an amulet rolled out.

Quickly setting the box back on the desk, she examined the amulet. It had clearly been broken into many pieces and painstakingly reassembled. Maker! This is Alistair's mother's amulet! Alistair had described it to Siobhan during one of their evening campfire chats. Looking to make sure no one was around, Siobhan pocketed it. She had just enough time to stash it and sit down when Teagan walked in.

Siobhan began, without preamble. "Teagan, what do you think the arl should do once he recovers."

"You mean if?"

"No, I mean when. We will find those ashes."

"I admire your confidence Siobhan; it gives one cause to hope. Why do you ask me? I'm only the bann."

Siobhan smiled. "Don't play coy with me. You may be bann, but you are the arl's brother and your sister was Queen Rowan; you know more than most about Ferelden's political landscape."

Teagan thought about it, and then said, "Eamon should, and probably will, call a Landsmeet to bring Loghain's various actions out in the open, and to formally decide the throne. But you are a teyrna; you didn't need me to tell you that."

Siobhan merely shrugged. "Will the arl support Anora for the throne, or will he put Alistair forward?"

Teagan looked at Siobhan. "He will put forth Alistair."

"What if Alistair doesn't want to be King?"

"For my brother, I don't think want enters into it. Eamon would think it is Alistair's duty as a Theirin."

"What do you think?"

Teagan leaned back in his chair. "What do I think? You are a Cousland; you cut your teeth on the concept of duty. Don't you think it's Alistair's duty to assume the throne?"

"Teagan, I'm going to be very blunt with you, please know that I bear you no malice. The arl and arlessa treated Alistair deplorably. He spent his life being hidden like a dirty little secret, was made to sleep in the stables, and then forced into the Chantry when he was ten years old. He hated every moment of his time there. The only thing he was able to choose was to become a Warden. He found fellowship among the wardens, which was ripped from him at Ostagar. If he truly doesn't want to be king, I think it would be cruel to force it upon him."

Teagan stroked his chin and frowned. "I cannot argue with the truth; I too was ashamed by how Eamon and Isolde handled Alistair. However, I know Eamon; if he couldn't convince Alistair to take the throne, he would give his support to Anora, just so we can avoid a civil war."

"The arl has never made a secret of the store he puts in the Calenhad bloodline. Would he really support Anora or would he merely threaten it in order to manipulate Alistair?"

Teagan leaned forward. "You presume much about my brother's motivations."

"What motivations would those be? Ensuring a Theirin sits on the throne or keeping the peace in Ferelden by supporting the woman who had a hand in Cailan's death?"

"What?" Sputtered Teagan.

"Gareth and I had known for some time that Cailan was suspicious of Anora. Gareth was concerned that Anora was manipulating their father's blind spot, when it came to Ferelden's security. After Highever and Ostagar, I firmly believe that Anora is either in collaboration with, or acted at the behest of, Rendon Howe to fuel Loghain's paranoia."

"Those are grievous charges, if they are true."

"Weren't you the one who said you didn't believe the 'lies being spewed by Loghain and Anora'? Who do you think came up with the false document implementing my father in an Orlesian conspiracy? Loghain? He may be one of the least liked men in Ferelden, but it has never been for his skills in subterfuge. He has always been forthright, painfully so." Siobhan's voice softened to almost a whisper. "That's where Gareth gets it, although he hates to admit it."

Teagan saw the pain in Siobhan's eyes, and realized how much rested on her shoulders, how much grief and suffering she had endured. Yet, he was filled with an almost brotherly pride at the strength and grace with which she bore it. Suddenly it occurred to him, when Siobhan spoke of the accusations against her father, she said document not documents. Maker's sake, she may not know about the documented confession!

Teagan came around to face Siobhan, then knelt in front of her taking her hand in his. Siobhan saw the worry in his eyes, and felt fear suddenly wrapped its icy tendrils around her heart.

"Teagan?"

"Siobhan, what I have to say is going to be hard to hear, but know that I don't believe a word of it."

"Of what?"

"In addition to the document Loghain showed you at Ostagar, there is another." He felt her hand tighten in his. "Loghain has a document that is purported to be a confession of treason, signed by your father and witnessed by a Chantry priest."

Teagan saw all the color drain from her face and caught her as she started to slip out of the chair. He lifted her into his arms, calling for someone to get a healer.

* Approximately translated as Demon spawn